Cheese can be used in just about anything and there is such a wide variety to choose from. It’s got calcium and protein, but eating too much of it can lead to health issues. Here’s what can happen if you eat cheese a bit too often.
Digestive Issues
Cheese’s high fat content can make you gassy or constipated. If you have lactose intolerance, you could also get severe bloating or diarrhea. Pick lower lactose cheeses like Swiss or cheddar.
Water Retention or Dehydration
Cheese has high levels of sodium. The body flushes this sodium by producing urine, so you may get dehydrated. Alternatively, if you are sensitive to sodium, your water weight may increase.
Higher Risk of Prostate Cancer
Men should be cautious of how much cheese they consume as high amounts of dairy products can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Plant-based cheeses may help to reduce the risk.
High Blood Pressure
High in sodium, cheese in high amounts can cause your blood pressure to be high, which could also lead to kidney disease and osteoporosis. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks as well, so limit your overall sodium intake.
Weight Gain
High in fat, eating too much cheese will cause you to gain weight, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Cheese nutrients are listed with a low serving size, so it might be easy to eat too much while thinking it’s healthy. Eating cheese substitutes is also a good way to help prevent serious health issues.
Heart Disease
The saturated fat content in cheese would raise your cholesterol and increase your chances of developing heart disease. Limiting the consumption of saturated fat will help you have better heart health.
Say Cheese
Dairy is part of a healthy diet and that includes cheese. However, cheese’s high sodium and fat content might be doing you a bit more harm than good. Balance your diet with plant-based foods to help you enjoy mac and cheese.
